As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting problems.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
